3 Simple Ways to Set Your Business Apart from Your Competitors

Whether you own a huge company or you're building a small business, the competition for customers can be fierce. In today's global economy, you aren't just competing for business with the store down the street. You also have to compete with online retailers from around the globe.If you're searching for ways to set your business apart from your competitors, considering implementing these three simple ideas.

Focus on Customer Service

We are living in a busy world that seems to be increasingly impersonal. Customers demand products faster and cheaper, but they still do not want to sacrifice excellent service. Unfortunately, many businesses put customer service on the backburner to save employees' time and money. That's one of the reasons why you can make your company stand apart from the crowd by providing genuine, attentive customer service. It sounds simple, but treat customers the way you want to be treated. Train your staff to treat customers as individuals, not just numbers.Customers need to believe that you value them as people and not just as dollar signs. When you strive to provide excellent, personalized service, your customers will notice. This keeps current customers happy, and it also makes them want to recommend your business to their family and friends.

Increase Your Branding

You want to keep your company's name in front of your long-time and new customers as often as possible. However, you don't want to annoy them with your branding. Sending constant texts and emails simply makes customers want to click "Unsubscribe," but you can find creative ways to increase your branding without driving your customers crazy.For instance, switch from plain packaging tape to custom packaging tape with your brand's name and logo. Each time a customer receives a package, he'll immediately know it is from your company before he even opens it.

Listen

You might be surprised to find out how many businesses don't really listen to their customers. They forge ahead with their business plans and goals without stopping to consider what their customers really want.Bulk this trend by making it a priority to truly listen to your customers. Send out a survey before you design a new products, and seriously consider the recommendations of your customers.No one likes complaints, but negative feedback is one of the most valuable tools you can receive. Instead of doing the bare minimum to appease the customer, turn this feedback into improvements for your business.